Eddie Howe could be forced to pick Newcastle youngster who has been likened to Sven Botman very soon

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Newcastle United are very short of centre-back options right now.

The Magpies have needed extra cover at centre-back all season, which is why Newcastle United spent most of the summer pursuing Marc Guehi.

Paul Mitchell was unable to finalise that deal, forcing Eddie Howe to stick with what he has got. Fortunately, the Newcastle United manager has coped. Fabian Schar and Dan Burn have played very well, while Emil Krafth and Lloyd Kelly have provided cover.

However, Newcastle’s options are suddenly even more stretched, as Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles continue their recoveries from injury.

Newcastle United’s centre-back problem

The Magpies will be without Burn against West Ham, with the 32-year-old suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season.

Newcastle will also be missing Emil Krafth due to injury, after the Sweden international broke his collar bone. Krafth will miss at least the next six games for Newcastle, which is a serious blow.

While Burn will be back by the time Newcastle face Crystal Palace on November 30th, Krafth’s absence leaves Newcastle extremely short on centre-back options.

To make Newcastle’s situation even more delicate, Schar is one booking away from a one-game suspension.

Newcastle United may have to play Alex Murphy

Newcastle’s centre-back woes highlight the need for reinforcements in January.

But Howe must persevere with what he has got for now, which could be good news for Alex Murphy.

The 20-year-old defender is yet to play a single minute of football this season, having made his Premier League debut last year. Murphy has made two competitive appearances for Newcastle, while he has been an unused substitute on six occasions this season.

The youngster will be hoping he gets a chance in the coming weeks, especially given the fact he will be the only centre-back cover when West Ham arrive at St James’ Park on November 25th.

It could be the opportunity that Murphy has been waiting for, with the young Irishman a consistent part of the first-team setup nowadays. He has Howe’s trust, and the Newcastle United manager will have confidence in picking Murphy if he is forced to turn to the former Galway United player.

Murphy has been likened to Sven Botman inside the club, while he has also proven that he can play as a right-sided centre-back, despite being predominantly left-footed. That is a boost for Howe, as that is the side that he is desperately short of options in.

With Newcastle suddenly relying on Murphy as cover, there will be a huge sigh of relief inside Newcastle that they did not loan him out over the summer. There were offers on the table, but the transfer window closed with Murphy still at St James’ Park.

That could prove to be a stroke of good fortune if Newcastle United are forced to play Murphy between now and the end of 2024.